S.A. Mossman Photography and Film.
Have camera, will travel.
mossman.sara@gmail.com

Pay attention. Because this goes by quickly. You have exactly 31 seconds to catch this. What exactly is AT&T endorsing here? The initial response is that AT&T changes lives. I mean look at this schmuck (Schmuck is my word of the week. Deal with it.) his life is about to change. With the touch of a button he's gonna change his train ticket and meet his future wife. They do all the things you'd expect of them. Get married, have a child, raise the brat. We fast forward all the way to this kids adulthood, where apparently he's become President of the United States and you know what? Good for him.

Ripple effect, lives changed, that's great! Too bad we really don't have any inclining of what kind of President this child of fortune makes. Granted being the big guy in charge of one of the most powerful nations on the planet is a tough gig. You have to be a leader, smart, charismatic and have a million other things going for you. Needless to say this nameless child had to have the right cocktail to get the job, but what does he do after? What if this guy is the worst President in American history? He could wreck the economy, assuming it's better in this mythical future world. He could start a nuclear holocaust. He could be underhanded, greedy and generally a bad person. He could be some.... other thing. I don't know.

Ok I get it. AT&T changes lives, but really what does changing lives mean. Change happens in a lot of ways and I'm going to go ahead and assume that a phone company isn't really going to make anything that much better.

Unless of course they eliminate my phone bill. Then I don't care about the potential for Presidential evil geniuses. America survived Nixon after all.

Ruby gloom is a wonderful children’s cartoon that from what I can tell only airs in Canada, presented by the Teletoon network. It teaches children the importance of sharing and friendship and over coming tough times but at the same time it has humor in it that’s subtle and clever along with your basic cartoon slapstick. I have a strong feeling that theirs more than meets the eye.

When it comes to Ruby and the Gloom Gang. Everyone in the show looks like a child, but their ages are never disclosed and I believe the lack of anyone bigger or older looking with the exception of Mr. Mumbles, who is the same relative size as the other characters, shows that they are all adults or at the very least "grown up" enough to take care of themselves. The relationships between the characters in the show are all very pleasant, unlike most cartoons there is no "rival" character or really even a designated bad guy for that matter, occasionally a shady character will pop up but everyone works together so seamlessly, nothing that takes place is more than a minor annoyance for the gloom gang. The dynamic of the show leaves a lot unseen, a lot of experiences not shown and adventures had when not on screen. When you get down to it, Ruby’s home is basically a flophouse for a group of out of work outcasts.

First lets look at the characters of relevance to Ruby’s personal life. The owner of the house Ruby is the girl in charge. She provides everything. Ruby cooks and cleans and throws parties for her friends every day. It’s never really explained where she got the house, or how she pays for everything, I always figured her parents must have died in a tragic accident while very young, which would explain her childlike nature and her style of clothing, no one to stop her from dressing the way she wants or reason to own any formal attire. Ruby clearly suffers from abandonment issues, and probably had a very close relationship with her parents, which is why she tries so hard to be the parent figure in her home. Her cat Doom Kitty is her faithful companion and closest friend but tends to be a little less trusting and a little more stand offish to compensate for Ruby’s gullibility. Her supposed love interest is the character Skull Boy, whose whole premise is that he doesn’t know where he comes from and only wants to know his place in the world. Although Skull boy and Ruby are very close, and might even truly love each other, their relationship would not last forever due to Skull Boys need for self approval would keep him from ever truly caring about anyone but himself on the most personal level. Although Ruby is the kind of person to stay in a neglectful relationship, there are many factors to protect her from this scenario. Two much more likely candidates for a love interest would never let this happen to their precious Ruby.

The first prospect for Ruby’s true love would be her friend Iris. In most episodes she is very protective of Ruby and there are several examples of her putting Ruby’s interests before her own (episodes “Seeing Eye to Eyes”, “Iris Springs Eternal”, ect.). Iris is most definitely the spazz of the Gloom Gang, over eager but very affectionate towards Ruby, but Iris seems to be much more loving towards Ruby then Ruby is towards her. Knowing her obvious obsession, it is more than likely that Iris would unintentionally bully Ruby into a relationship and Ruby being the most lovable door mat in the world would just go along with it, even though she has much stronger feelings for Skull Boy. Although Skull Boy is a very self centered character, it is more than proven in the Ruby Gloom musical “Hair (less)” that he does love Ruby and would do anything for her. If Ruby got the chance to be with Skull Boy she would take it in a heart beat, even if she was with Iris, and actually works itself into the perfect ménage a co-dependant 3. Iris is so obsessed with Ruby that she wouldn’t care if she had to share with Skull Boy, Skull Boy would be so distracted by himself he wouldn’t even know Ruby was screwing around with Iris, and even if he did he would not have any objections, them all being such good friends and all. As usual Ruby would accept the situation and "look on the bight side".

Although it would be fun for all parties involved for a time Ruby would probably sway even more towards Skull Boy, no matter how self-centered he is, due to Iris’ inexplicable adventures. There are many episodes where she does not even make an appearance, and if she does its very minimal before wondering off. Eventually everyone in the house would figure out the situation, and there would be an air of awkwardness whenever Ruby entered a room, it would be met with smiles and feigned ignorance due to Ruby being the main provider.

There is one more character that is a perfectly viable love interest, but before I go into why I’d like to talk about the other characters. Ruby has another pet, Scaredy the bat, he is not really viewed as a pet in the show but he is an animal that lives in the house. Scaredy is a character of little note, a comic foil, but is more independent than Iris or Skull boy in the sense that he is the drummer in Frank and Len’s band R.I.P. This band is the closest thing to a job anyone has. There is Poe the crow and his brothers Edgar and Allen who appear to be the polar opposite of the crows from “Dumbo”, well mannered and proper, and also independently wealthy in a house separate from Ruby’s. This may be a subtle case of reverse racism, but if that is true then Scaredy bat is pretty racist, with his thick Indian accent for no real reason other than he is another character of a darker color. Booboo is barely worth mentioning, I’m pretty sure episodes based around when the writers didn’t have any good ideas for the characters that matter. Now to Frank and Len, the two headed band leader of R.I.P. Frank and Len are characters that live in rubies garage and mostly stay out of her hair. They appear to be local celebrities in Gloomsville, putting on multiple concerts; they’re another case of a more independent character, although no one in the show is truly independent with their need to please Ruby. Frank and Len’s dynamic seems to be the classic case of the leader and the idiot, frank being the smarter of the two, but both not really too bright. Frank is a very healthy normal looking character who would probably do fairly well on his own. Len is a more dingy punk looking character with an eyebrow piercing and greasy hair. They are an accomplished guitarist with Frank’s arm strumming and picking, and Len’s arm taking the cords. Normally I’d say this is a case of ying and yang but despite their different appearances they’re very similar so I suppose they’re a representation of success through co-operation of the like minded. Frank and Len are well aware of Ruby’s feelings towards Skull Boy due to an incident where they were teleported into Ruby’s mind and saw him from her perspective. They would probably never make a move on Ruby knowing what they know. They appear to like the pairing of Skull Boy and Ruby.

Finally we come to Misery; a character with more issues than can be named. Although neither of them knows it Ruby and Misery are probably the most viable candidates for a happy relationship. Misery cares for Ruby, is the lead singer in Frank and Lens band, and owns a large section of the house, the crypt that is comprised of a seemingly endless series of tunnels. Although a walking disaster area, Misery is one of the more capable characters. Misery says what she wants not restraining herself even for Ruby’s sake. The relationship between Misery and Ruby is best described in the musical in the sense of Misery is the dark and Ruby is the dawn. Misery is the only character that Ruby’s home spun parental schlock dose not have any effect on. That allows Misery to live her life making her own decisions as opposed to every action being guided by Ruby. This defiance in Ruby’s life is exactly what she needs. Someone to treat her like a human being and not a princess, allowing her to eventually mature and grow. At the same time Misery is cursed to be constantly injured in horrible "accidents" and is in need of medical attention providing an outlet for Ruby’s need to mother and take care of something. It’s a perfect symbiotic relationship where Misery has someone to care for her, and Ruby gets someone who loves her and doesn’t treat her like a doormat. Sadly this love is not obvious to them, there’s a good chance that they may never be together despite being exactly what they need. Misery although bold and independent, lacks self worth and would never see herself to be good enough for Ruby. Ruby would never start this relationship or even realize its existence due to her misdirected affections towards Skull Boy. And so the inhabitance of the Gloom Manor are doomed to an existence of awkwardness with each other, but not knowing any other way, they all stay together in a great big happy family.

After a brief respite I am off the road and on the computer editing the may projects that were shot all over the country. Currently editing the pilot episode of "The Harper Family" (unofficial title). In one week I will be in Maryland trying to work out a music video gig.

Starting from Massachusetts. On February 5th I officially received my Masters of Science in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Really that's quite a mouthful to say. Never the less I completed the program and earned the right to say it. Finding myself with a new sense of freedom and a readiness to explore and truly begin a journey as a filmmaker, amongst many other things, across America. As of today, March 4th 2010, I have been to Massachusetts, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Orlando. I got some brand new equipment, a spiffy new Panasonic DVX100B and microphones to match. With camera in hand and Bryan on the mic, I started filming.

Currently in the works are two television pilots, two documentaries, a web series, music video and development of two feature length films. I'm producing all of these projects collaborating with some truly fantastic individuals. My partners in crime: Bryan Peterson, Joseph Sorzano, Morgan Lulas, and Blake Kacyon. I also have to thank all of the people in my life that I am blessed to know and have in my corner.

My primary focus is upon the documentary that I am considering making the first entry in a series. The project hopes to paint a portrait of an American view of love, marriage and commitment. As I travel I am collecting interviews from as many varied individuals that will sit in front of my camera for an hour. With so much debate and deliberation as to what constitutes a marriage in today's American society I felt as though now is the time to get people talking. As of right now I am collecting funds to continue my travels and filming of the project as well as collecting interviews and B roll. The narrative of the project is slowly taking shape. I still need more people to interview and places to stay across the country.

On a more personal note, now that I've officially graduated I have less than six months of breathing room before reality sinks in and I have to start paying back those dreaded student loans. Until then I have six months to do as much as possible for myself, to do the projects I'm passionate about. Six months to create as much as humanely possible, six months to at least make one thing I can say I am proud of. It's an interesting experience, traveling the country with a few bucks in my pocket (literally), a car full of gas, a best friend and stories to share. Perhaps I'll see you all on my travels. I'm always available for a shoot.

First off, let me get this out the way, I'm fucking angry, I'm don't know the specifics of what I'm angry about, but I feel it and I'm going to run with it. Maybe I haven't been paying attention, but have the Golden Globes always been for sale? We all know there are purchased awards of all varieties, but they usually slip by unnoticed. The Golden Globes tonight were more awkward than the christmas dinner where your cousin announced she's eloping with your uncle, but they stayed for turkey first. Ricky Gervias pretty much held his title as "the worlds biggest guy who just doesn't give a fuck", and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. It's like if Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa with human feces and had a chuckle to himself when people 'ooed' and 'awwed' at it. Truly a masterful and perfectly executed act of douche baggery. He said fuck you to the people who needed to hear it most, and those who got it, got it, and those who didn't can fuck themselves.

I have gotten a little off track. What I really wanted to talk about was a brief off hand comment Gervais made right in the beginning, a comment about buying the Golden Globes. People laughed and it was no big deal, but as the night went on it was almost like there was an odd fog in the room. It was a knot in the pit of everyone's stomach, that you couldn't shake. There were a few awards that went by and you thought "Huh! didn't see that coming" but they could have slithered by, no real discrepancies. The big "saaayy whhaaat!" moments of the evening happened around the end. When you look at the the movies that came out this year, there are some good ones, but for some reason the movie "The Proposal" ended up in the gripping compelling story pile. It didn't win, but its weird it was even nominated. It's a real "one of these things is not like the others" situation, that statement is purely opinion, but I think you know what I mean. When Sandra Bullock took the best actress award that's when people in the crowd started looking around the room with an odd feeling, it was like they were looking for a smell of undetermined origin. She even asked "who bought me this award?" What she was talking about was beating out "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe. Actors don't buy their own awards (that is, if they're bought) actors have a lot to gain from an award, but there are people with a lot more to gain from the actor in their movie getting an award.

By far the most clearly uncomfortable moment of the night was "Avatar" taking best picture. There once again was a list of compelling possible canidates for best picture, but "Avatar" took it. When the camera panned around the room, no one was smilling, few people were clapping, everyone had this off putting disoriented look on their face like they were not sure what happened, and as James Cameron spilled his heart to the audience about how honored he was, they were not listening. There was a loud chatter amongst the crowd that could not be drowned out. It was like "Avatar" winning that award to the actors was like telling a bunch of kids there is no Santa. It was like saying none of this matters, the awards are nothing but a sticker they can stick on a DVD to sell more.

I hate Jay Leno. Shall we discuss why? Well okay. If you insist. I hate Leno for a plethora of reasons and my hatred has grown from mild disinterest to what it is now ever since Leno began his new show in the 10 o'clock time slot on NBC. Don't worry I feel my hatred is justified. To begin with Leno took over the 10 o'clock time slot five nights a week. This doesn't seem like a serious offense, but as someone who works in the entertainment industry I see it differently. Leno having five prime time slots means that there are five shows that aren't being made. There are five ideas out there that aren't being utilized. Once again not a huge deal, but take into account the things that go along with producing a television program. That's five shows that would have created jobs for people in the industry at a time when jobs are hard to come by. We're not just talking about rich actors and producers who don't need the money anyway, but working class people who sometime go months without a pay check. Grips, electricians, assistants, etc. This is only reason number one. Leno also did so poorly in the ratings that he not only hurt himself, but he took away valuable viewership from local news affiliates. With the economy the way it is no one can afford to lose revenue. Viewership equals advertisement dollars. I don't even particularly care about this offense either. The part the truly upsets me is that Leno stepped down, he gave up his claim to the coveted Tonight Show seat. Now he wants it back because he can't hold his own in prime time.

Speaking of people getting what they don't deserve, let us discuss Conan and why he is so appealing as the hero of this particular battle. Beyond Conan's oblivious charm and quirky gangly demeanor lies a classic American archetype. He is the underdog that we love to root for. His history reveals a man that worked towards a dream. A man who paid his dues and worked till he earned that mantle, but this isn't a story of a man who has gotten what he wants. That isn't the appeal. The appeal is the story of a heroic figure, the underdog, who after achieving a life long dream finds himself fighting to keep it. And who should be his opponent, but the cold, faceless giant known as NBC. That's one point for Conan, a man with a real and familiar identity.

NBC isn't Conan's only enemy. He's also fighting against Jay Leno, a perceived mentor figure having been in the seat and in the business far longer than Conan. I honestly believe that Conan is a man whose religion is Late Night Television, he's a man dedicated to the craft. Conan is upholding an ideal, Leno is acting selfishly. He's clinging to the lime light and holding on so tight hat he's strangling the idea of the tonight show. He's a captain on his last voyage and he's decided to take the ship down with him.

Currently this story is at a point where things look bleak for the hero. Rumors are circulating that Conan has already been canned, that Leno is taking the mantle back, that NBC is determined to keep Conan off the air for the next three years, in essence banishing him. Despite all of this Conan is receiving tremendous amounts of support from the people. Campaigns, petitions, t-shirts proclaiming "I'm with CoCo". His story is a legitimately sad one. It's watching a man who received a taste of what he wanted only to have it taken away and unjustly at that. It's tuning in at 11:35 to watch a dream in the midsts of being crushed. Why wouldn't you root for him?